Île Saint-Honorat and Lérins Abbey

Île Saint-Honorat is the smaller and more southerly of the two Lérins Islands off Cannes, on the French Riviera in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. A ferry of about 20 minutes from Quai Laubeuf in the Old Port reaches the island, which has been home to a Cistercian monastic community since the fifth century, when Saint Honorat founded the Lérins Abbey. Monks still live and work on the island, producing wine and liqueurs, and visitors are asked to respect the quiet of the monastic setting.

The island is about 1.5 kilometres long and flat, with a path circling the coast through pine and eucalyptus, past small chapels and views toward Sainte-Marguerite and the mainland. The main landmarks are the fortified monastery, a medieval tower on the shore, the abbey church open to visitors outside services, and the vineyards that produce wines sold in the abbey shop. Visitors can walk the coastal path in about an hour, and a number of visitors have lunch at the island restaurant, which is operated by the community.

A visit usually takes 3 to 4 hours, including the ferry, the walk and a stop at the abbey. Return ferry tickets cost about EUR 16-20 and are run by Compagnie Planaria and Trans Côte d'Azur. Photography is generally allowed outside, but visitors should avoid disturbing worship. Dress modestly in the church and keep voices low.

Aprils to October is the best season, with spring and early autumn offering the quietest paths and the clearest light. Crowds are largest from late June to August, around midday, and a morning ferry gives the most peaceful time on the island. There is almost no shade on some sections and few facilities beyond the abbey shop and restaurant, so water, sun protection and a hat are advisable.